Remembering Fritz

Thank you for visiting our website. It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Fritz Sprandel. He embarked on his final adventure on February 17, 2025—the very day his newest book, Snowmobiling Across America: A Fritz Sprandel Adventure, was released.

Fritz was high-spirited and always up for an adventure or a dare, setting world records both on snowmobiles and during multiple canoe expeditions. Perhaps his most notable canoe journey began as a dare in 1970: to paddle from New York to Los Angeles. Along the way, he drifted off course and found himself incarcerated by Fidel Castro—alongside several of America’s most wanted fugitives.

Even in his later years, Fritz remained unstoppable. Just this past December, he led a pack of vintage snowmobiles across the Mackinac Bridge.

Fritz will be deeply missed by his friends, followers, and associates.

Gone But Not Forgotten

More than a hundred people attended Fritz's memorial service on February 22, 2025. Everyone had a unique story to share—no repeats—and the conversations continued well beyond the service and into the luncheon. This short film by Craig Cooper captures what we all thought of him. But as Fritz would say, "There's something else I didn't tell you!"

Video Remembrances

Doug Kemmerer

Scott Garner

Bathsheba Monk

Remembrances

"I’ll always miss him. I was his mothers paper girl.

To know him was to fall in love immediately. He was so lovable. So honest and man he had some unbelievable stories. Nothings impossible. He continued to strive and push forward. Find away. I was glad to reconnect with him back in the Lehigh Valley. Rest in Peace my dear, dear friend.

Will fondly remember you always. A piece of you remains in my heart. I knew your mom and brother too."

- Deanna Benner

"I had the opportunity to meet Fritz a few times—even shared breakfast with him. Listening to the stories of his life and the fearless way he lived it was truly inspiring. He carved his own path and did it with boldness and heart.

Reading his first book, Adventure on a Dare, felt like diving into a gripping novel. I kept asking myself, How could this be real? It always struck me as a story that belonged on the big screen.

I count myself lucky to have spent time with Fritz, to hear his stories firsthand, and to learn about the adventures he still had planned. He was never one to settle down like the rest of us. That's why the news of his passing was such a shock—it felt like his journey still had many chapters left. The world feels a little less exciting without him in it."

- Michael Smull

"I miss seeing him each week at my bakery stand."

- Lori Forlini Bergsman

"Fritz, the man, the legend, the friend, the bartender, the drinker, the sober guy, the adventurer, the story teller. It will take you many years, and probably never, to meet another guy like Fritz. But if you do, like me and others, consider yourself LUCKY."

- Thom Barrett